1959Porsche356AConvertible D

A very attractive Convertible D by Drauz left the factory on June 23, 1959, wearing Silbermetallik paint (5706 - original color), trimmed and upholstered in Red Leatherette. According to its Kardex, it carried no factory options. Its chassis number places it 255 from the last ConvD built. The matching Type 616/1 1600cc engine, develops 60 horsepower at 4,500 rpm. The restoration was done nearly 20 years ago in the early 1990 but still shows exceptionally well. It is perfect for 356 club shows or to enjoy with the top-down during weekend touring. It is a solid and rust-free example. Recently serviced and is ready to enjoy. Accompanied by the Kardex confirming matching engine and exterior color, tool kit and owners manual. ConvD's have become highly collectible, and high-quality examples such as this 356 come to market infrequently.

History

The 1958-1959 Porsche 356A Convertible D model is arguably one of the rarest "production" Porsche 356 models ever manufactured for a full year (T6 "twin grille" Roadster was produced for only a few months). Only 1,331 Convertible Ds were made between August 1958 and September 1959.

By 1958 the Speedster model was four years old and sales were declining. Porsche realized that significant improvements were necessary to attract new buyers, but that there was certainly a market for a "weekend racer" with a removable windshield. The Porsche 356A Convertible D was the solution (though a modern marketing department would have picked a racier name!).
Because overall Porsche sales were growing at a steady pace, and the Reutter coachworks were straining to keep up with the demand, Porsche contracted with the Drauz company in Heilbronn to manufacture bodies for the Convertible D (the "D" stood for Karosseriewerke Drauz KG).

On July 31, 1958, Porsche sent a letter to all of their Porsche dealers announcing the new "Convertible D" model and specifying the differences.

All in all, the Convertible D is a more practical car than the Speedster: a larger windshield, roll-up side windows, and more comfortable seats, while retaining the beautiful body lines and the downward sloping beltline that now attracts so many 356 enthusiasts. Of course some of the minimalist, racier features of the Speedster were lost, and many Porsche purists complained long and loud in 1958!

For the 1960 model year, the Convertible D model was replaced by the 356 B Roadster based on the new T5 body style. However, sales of the "stripped down" 356 continued to decline, and the last year of Roadster production was in 1962 when just 248 T6-bodied cars were made, with production ceasing well before the end of the model year.

In the current market, it is ironic that these 356 models that were the least expensive "back in the day" Speedster, Convertible D, and Roadster are now as much if not more expensive than the luxury version Cabriolets.